In Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, and a rich, cultural center considered to be the “city of ideas,” I sent my husband Pierre and seven-year-old Julien off to elephant camp . What is that, you ask? It is the opportunity to spend the day in the wild country, working with your own elephant, riding, commanding and bathing him, and generally being a “Mahout,” or “elephant rider.” There are many options for mahout tours in Chiang Mai. Our first choice was the popular, eco-conscious Baan Chang Camp, but unfortunately, we called the day before, as was our habit, which is definitely not enough advance notice for this highly respected elephant camp. A week is needed. So, we ended up going with our hotel’s supported tour, Yogi Mahout, and it still made for a great, fulfilling day! See how Julien rides, and attempts to command, his little elephant in the video!